At The Veterinary Hospital, we have provided residents of Eugene, OR, with reliable veterinary care services for many years. We are a full-service pet hospital that also offers harder-to-find services like laser surgery, acupuncture, and microchipping. Our staff is committed to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy. This includes when your pet is coughing, sneezing, scratching, or experiencing eye irritation. Read on for some important information about pet allergies.
What Is an Allergy?
An allergy is a response the body's immune system gives to certain substances. Allergies can be triggered by the environment, a genetic predisposition, or a combination of both.
What Can Cause an Allergy in Pets?
Just like humans, pets can be allergic to anything from household items to food ingredients. The triggers can be organic or man-made. They include:
- Fleas, ticks, and other bugs
- Pollen
- Dust
- Household cleaners
- Perfumes
- Certain fabrics
- Food ingredients like wheat, eggs, and preservatives
What Are the Signs of Pet Allergies?
Allergies in pets can present in different ways, depending on the individual animal. The reactions may be mild or severe. They could have one symptom or several.
Below are some common allergy symptoms your pet may have.
- Coughing and sneezing excessively
- Scratching, licking, biting, or chewing any part of the body
- Redness, swelling, discharge, or lots of wax from the ears
- Excessive shedding
- Redness or swelling around the paws
- Hair loss
- Smelly or dull coat
- Scaly skin
- Crusty scabs that may or may not ooze
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling of the face or tongue
- Trouble breathing (wheezing)
If your pet presents any of these symptoms for more than 24 hours, it's important to get them to the vet.
How Will A Veterinarian Diagnose and Treat My Pet’s Allergies?
Our veterinarian will perform an initial examination to determine the general health of your pet and check for any organic signs of irritants like parasites. Next, we may perform a series of blood, urine, and skin tests. This will be done to rule out any other possible conditions as well as pinpoint the exact allergy. The vet will ask you questions about your pet's diet and daily activities as well.
Depending on the cause and location of the allergy, the vet may prescribe a medicated shampoo, ointment, oral medication, or dietary changes.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Eugene
Whether you suspect your pet has an allergy or they need any other type of care, please call us. The Veterinary Hospital is always here for our Eugene community. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at (541) 688-1835 for more information or to schedule an appointment.